Labour will take decisive action on family violence

Posted by David Cunliffe on July 03, 2014

Labour will take decisive and far-reaching action to address violence against women and children, says Labour Leader David Cunliffe.

“On average 35 New Zealanders are killed by a member of their family every year, and one in three women experience intimate partner violence. Last year 20,000 women and children sought the help of Women’s Refuge.

“This is totally unacceptable. It has a devastating physical and emotional impact on the lives of a great many of our women and children.

“Labour will work towards its elimination. Today we are announcing a package of measures for immediate action, as well as other longer term solutions.

“We will adopt an Action Plan to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Children.

“We will provide $60 million over four years for family and sexual violence to support front-line services, primary prevention and education.

“We will reform the justice system to provide real justice to survivors while upholding the right to be presumed innocent.

“We will review prosecution guidelines and the operation of protection orders.

“As Labour Party Leader, I am determined that we address the causes and consequences of family violence.

“But this cannot be achieved in a piecemeal manner or without a unified effort across government agencies and NGOs.

“That is why our action plan will be led from within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet,’’ David Cunliffe said.